I'll be honest I don't follow the NHL as much as I would like too but this is definitely going to be an exciting series to watch. If your not already aware, the Badgers are still be represented in the NHL playoffs by a handful of players.Detroit features defensemen Brian Rafalski and Chris Chelios. Rafalski, who was the 1995 WCHA defenseman of the year in his senior season for the Badgers is the consummate professional. In Rafalski's 8 NHL seasons (he played 4 in Europe after college) he has made the playoffs in every season, and has been to 4 stanley cup finals, winning 3 cups. So far in this year's playoffs, Rafalski has 3 points in 6 games. Chelios, who needs no introduction as a healthy scratch in game 1 for Detroit and has not recorded a point in his 4 playoff games so far (he was filling in for Rafalski when he was out with injury).
Chicago boasts three Badgers on the current roster. They are highlighted by "Captain" Adam Burish who is having an outstanding playoffs so far for the Hawks. Burish, who recorded only 9 points during the regular season, has 5 points in 13 playoff games. Burish got the Hawks started in the first period by scoring on an un-assisted flukey goal. The Blackhawks are also rostering two other forwards from the 2006 National Championship squad with Jake Dowell from Eau Claire and Jack Skille from Verona. Neither Dowell, nor Skille has suited up for a playoff game this season.
This should be a very exciting series to watch and I'm looking forward to it. These two squads lock up next on Tuesday night. You can catch the game on versus at 6:30 or on TSN if you live in the artic circle.
Burish Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ben Margot
Rafalski Photo Credit: Dan4th Nicholas
Posts
